Philanthropy Friday: Empowered By You

Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer. You can view past posts from the serieshere.

Disclosure: I received a free sample to aid in the writing of this post. All words and opinions expressed are my own.

Lingerie isn’t a typical topic on my blog. I don’t typically get that personal. But today, I’m happy to share with you that even when I’m at home working in sweatpants, I’m always wearing nice underwear. There’s something about a good thong and a pretty bra that makes me feel good. Empowered even.

Well, guess what? I’ve found a lingerie company that gives back and empowers women with every purchase, in more ways than one.

The idea is simple: individuals are provided with small loans to start or grow small businesses, allowing them to become economically self-sufficient, provide for their families for the long-term, and replace dependency on limited donor funds. The rungs of the Seven Bar Foundation logo represent the loans -– a ladder that allows impoverished women an effective and self-sufficient exit out of poverty.

When I was first contacted by Empowered By You, founder Renata Mutis Black described her product as “the perfect everyday panty with patented flocking technology for a seamless second-skin fit.”

I still don’t know what “flocking technology” is, but I can tell you that the panty is super comfortable. The material reminded me of a thin bathing suit and really didn’t feel like I was wearing anything at all. (OK, now I’m blushing. Back to the philanthropy stuff.)

Renata tells me that 20% of Empowered By You’s profits go directly to the Seven Bar Foundation. From there, The Seven Bar Foundation distributes loans to “outstanding microfinance institutions across the globe.” While I’m used to hearing about microfinance organizations that help people in developing countries, Seven Bar Foundation also aids women in the United States (see the country breakdown below).

Here’s a breakdown of Seven Bar Foundation’s impact to date since its inception in 2010:

Seven Bar Foundation Microfinance Fund distribution by country

USA: $160,000 disbursed reaching 186 women

Mexico: $50,000 disbursed reaching 1,300 women

Guatemala: $100,000 disbursed reaching 135 women

India: $77,000 disbursed reaching 434 women

Sri Lanka: $15,000 disbursed reaching 85 women

Colombia: $45,000 disbursed reaching 160 women

Total Distribution: $447,000 reaching 2,300 women and approximately 4,600 (this is calculating a conservative 2 children per woman, though in many of these countries women take care of as many as 8 children in each household)

I’m told that loan recipients have a 97% repayment rate.

The sample thong that I received helped Joy, who lives in the United States and was empowered by a microloan of $1,470 that helped her start her own cupcake business. According to the packaging, Joy is now a mentor to other women. You can read some of the testimonials on the website.

Comments

I love pretty underwear. And I’d much rather give my money to an organization that’s using their dollar to empower women then to put on a big, flashy lingerie fashion show and use that money to pay super models. Sorry, boys.Ilene recently posted..The Bridge

AMEN! I haven’t bought anything from the place with the flashy shows in years…they just annoy me. This is such a great concept, I love it. Will be sharing their site with my girlfriends!Jenny recently posted..December Hates Me

I am putting these undies on my holiday wish list! I could definitely use some nicer threads to go under my sweat pants. Thank you for sharing this with us, Jennifer. Seven Bar Foundation sounds absolutely amazing. And what mama doesn’t need pretty panties?!Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama recently posted..Holiday Links for People Who Love to Laugh

I hate to admit it, but I am in some serious need of new panties and who wouldn’t love flocking technology! You got me buying KIND bars all the time now, so panties I will add to my list!Michelle recently posted..We’re Headed to Manhattan!

I love, love, love good underwear. It’s kinda my thing. No one really know about it, though! Er..outside of my home.
I would much rather give my business to this organization than any others that I know of who sell lingerie.Tamara recently posted..Those Crazy, Stressful Holiday Times.

I love companies like this. Helping women help themselves. I will also admit that I wear my panties until they are threadbare. Time to clean out my underwear drawer and check this company out!Stephanie @ Hugs, Kisses and Snot recently posted..The First Candle of Advent is Hope

Time to splurge, Stephanie! Nothing better than a new pair of pretty panties, if you ask me. The fact that they help other women succeed makes it even better!anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Good Day Maine Appearance

Sounds like a great organization. I’ve been involved in microfinance for years through Kiva.org. It’s very empowering to be able to give loans to deserving people in need. #SITSSharefestAdrian recently posted..Clutterbugs: Taming the Paper Tiger

[…] Philanthropy Friday: Empowered By You Empowered By You is a new luxury lingerie brand created by the Seven Bar Foundation, a nonprofit organization that aims to empower women throughout the globe via microfinance. This is also the first Philanthropy Friday post that made me blush. […]